The Government has confirmed it will now allow foreign tourists who have purchased international insurance policies to enter the country.

When Costa Rica opened its air borders in August 1st, Executive Decree 42513-MGP-S, established that all tourists had to acquire an insurance policy that would cover health and lodging expenses in the event of quarantine due to Covid-19; however, this insurance could only be acquired through the National Insurance Institute (INS) and at a cost that ranged from $275 to $965 USD (depending on risk factors) for a two-week stay. The tourism sector raised its voice in disagreement with this condition to enter the country since they considered the price extremely high.

With this change, tourists will be able to acquire other international insurance policies that cover medical expenses generated by coronavirus which must include hospitalization expenses and a minimum of 14 days of lodging expenses.

In the event that the international insurance acquired by the tourist does not comply with one of the requests, the visitor must purchase a travel insurance policy offered by one of the insurance companies authorized by the General Superintendency of Insurances in Costa Rica (SUGESE).

In addition to this, tourists flying to Costa Rica must take a Covid-19 test 48 hours prior to their trip to confirm they are free of the virus.